| Guan Di Guan Di
is a Dharma protector from the Chinese Buddhist tradition. He was a famous
Chinese general from the Three Kingdoms Period. He was well-respected by
the Chinese people because he was a virtuous and courageous general who
exemplified the Confucian ethics: loyalty to one's country; respect for
one's parents; compassion for one's fellow man; faithful to one's friends.
Guan Di died during an attempt to breakthrough enemy's lines. The
Chinese people built many shrines throughout the country to honor the
beloved general. In subsequent dynasties, the Chinese emperors had deified
him and honored him as the God of War and the ideal scholar warrior. It was
said that Guan Di had undergone Buddhist Ordination while he was alive, and
he had been adopted by Chinese Buddhist as a Dharma Protector.
He is also regarded as a god of prosperity (wealth) and martial spirits.
Both Chinese Buddhists and Taoists ask for his blessings and assistances in
times of need.
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